Edo takes custody of stowaway boy

he Edo State government has taken custody of Daniel Ohikhena, the 13-year-old boy who flew from Benin to Lagos in the tyre compartment of an Arik aircraft.

It was not confirmed yesterday which correctional facility it plans to take Daniel to.

Many government officials declined comments on the matter but a source said Daniel would not be handed over to his family.

The source said they discovered that Daniel would not do well, if he was returned to his parents since they are separated.

His dad, Osaigbovo, who suddenly appeared on Tuesday, said he was yet to see his son.

In a telephone chat, Osaigbovo said he has been begging to see his son, adding that he was yet to be told of what transpired at the meeting attended by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, State Director of the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) Bakori Tukur, officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs, his wife and son.

Daniel’s mother, Evelyn, however, vowed to take custody of her son. She said the government should be ready to “detain” her as well.

Daniel was said to have told the governor and security operatives that he does not want to see his father.

The issue of who takes custody was said to have generated much argument at the meeting.

Sources at the meeting said officials of the ministry and the SSS argued contrary to the governor’s suggestion that Daniel should be handed over to his mother.

“There was an argument over who should take custody of the boy. The governor said he should be given to his mother but the DSS and officials of the ministry of Women Affairs said the government should take custody.”

Evelyn told reporters yesterday that she was not prepared to reconcile with her husband.

She said they have been separated for over a year because of the problem she had from the organisation she borrowed money from.

Mrs. Ohikhena said when her husband was informed about their missing son, he responded by saying, “I should go and look for his son for him.

“I was robbed on my way from a business trip to Koko market in Delta State. I also had a defect in one eye that has affected my vision.

“I cannot see out of one eye at the moment due to incessant beatings I received from him.

“The question you people should ask him is whether he knows the private school Daniel was attending before I transferred him to the public school at Ogbe.

“He has since abandoned us. He and his family have been disturbing me since they heard that Daniel was given a scholarship.

“My husband is staying in his mother’s house. I will resist any attempt to deprive me of the custody of my son. If it happens I will ask them to detain me with him. I am not after the scholarship money. All I am after is for them to release my son to me,” she said.

The government said its interaction with Daniel showed an intelligent kid who needs more care.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation Louis Odion said the government was taking steps to ensure Daniel got psychological support to enable him achieved his potentials.

Odion stated that the state is ready to assist him consistent with the philosophy of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

He said: “As a dotting parent himself, Governor Oshiomhole has followed the development closely. As a matter of fact, he personally engaged Daniel.

“From his interaction with Daniel and his parents, who unfortunately are separated, it is obvious that there is a deficient in terms of parental care even though Daniel sounds quite intelligent.

“We will ensure that Daniel benefits first of all from the intervention from clinical psychologists.